xxvi, 512 pages, 24 unnumbered pages of plates : 20 cm
Originally published: London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2003
Includes bibliographical references and index
Orphan of Florence 1519-33 -- 'The greatest match in the world' 1515-34 -- A barren wife 1533-47 -- The eclipsed consort 1547-49 -- Catherine's growing importance 1548-59 -- An uneasy partnership 1559-60 -- 'Gouvernante de France' 1560-62 -- The first religious war 1562-64 -- The grand tour 1564-66 -- Conciliator no longer 1566-70 -- Margot's marriage is arranged 1570-72 -- The massacre 1572 -- The last years of Charles IX 1572-74 -- Henri III, King of France 1574-76 -- Alencon's treachery 1576-84 -- Hope dies 1584-88 -- So perish the race of the Valois 1588-1615